Change In Weight Z-score Research Articles

Evaluation of growth and feeding tolerance in infants with single-ventricle physiology receiving retrospective standard of care feeding regimens compared with protocolised formula or exclusive human milk feeding regimens.

Determine whether weight gain velocity (g/day) 30 days after initiating feeds following cardiac surgery and other clinical outcomes improve in infants with single-ventricle physiology fed an exclusive human milk (EHM) diet with early fortification compared to non-protocolised "standard of care." This retrospective cohort study compares term infants with single-ventricle physiology who underwent neonatal surgical palliation. The retrospective control group (RCG) was fed according to non-protocolised standard of care at a single centre and was compared with infants in a previous protocolised multi-site randomised controlled trial assigned to either an EHM group or a control group (TCG). The primary outcome measure is weight gain velocity. Secondary outcomes include change in weight z-score, and incidence of feeding intolerance and necrotising enterocolitis. We evaluated 45 surgically palliated neonates with single-ventricle physiology compared to the prior trial patients (EHM = 55, TCG = 52). Baseline demographics were similar between groups, except the RCG had fewer patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (51% vs. 77% vs. 84%, p = 0.0009). The RCG grew similarly to the TCG (7.5 g/day vs. 8.2 g/day), and both groups had significantly lower growth than the EHM group (12 g/day). Necrotising enterocolitis/suspected necrotising enterocolitis were similar in the RCG versus TCG but significantly higher in the RCG compared to the EHM group (20.5% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.033). Incidences of other morbidities were similar. Neonates with single-ventricle physiology have improved short-term growth and decreased risk of necrotising enterocolitis or suspected necrotising enterocolitis when receiving an EHM diet after surgical palliation compared to non-protocolised feeding with bovine formula.

Nutrition Supply and Growth Post Nutrition Support Team Activity in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

For neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), appropriate nutritional assessment and intervention are important for adequate growth. In this study, we aimed to determine whether there were changes in the nutritional supply and growth status of premature infants hospitalized in the NICU after the introduction of the Nutrition support team (NST). This study retrospectively analyzed premature infants admitted to the NICU for over 14 days. The average daily calorie, protein, and fat supply at 1 and 2 weeks after birth were compared before and after NST, and growth was evaluated by changes in length, weight, and head circumference z-scores at birth and 28 days after birth. A total of 79 neonates were included in the present study, with 32 in the pre-NST group and 47 in the post-NST group. The average daily energy supply during the first (p=0.001) and second (p=0.029) weeks postnatal was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group. Lipid supply for the first week was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.010). The change in the z-score for length was significantly higher in the post-NST group than in the pre-NST group (p=0.049). Nutrient supply and length z-score change increased significantly at 28 days after birth in the post-NST group. These results suggest that calorie calculators and NST activity can promote adequate growth and development in neonates.

Early versus late parenteral nutrition in term and late preterm infants: a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundThere is limited evidence regarding the optimal time to commence parenteral nutrition (PN) in term and late preterm infants.DesignSingle-centre, non-blinded, exploratory randomised controlled trial.SettingA level-3 neonatal unit in a stand-alone...

Association of Growth During Infancy with Neurodevelopment and Obesity in Children Born Very Preterm: The Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Cohort

To evaluate associations between change in weight z score after neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge and neurodevelopmental outcomes and obesity at 12-48months of age among individuals born very preterm. This secondary analysis used data from infants born very preterm participating in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes cohort (n=1400). Growth during infancy was calculated as change in weight z score between NICU discharge and follow-up at a mean of 27months of age. Very low weight gain was defined as a change in weight z score <-1.67; very high weight gain was a change in weight z score >1.67. Neurodevelopmental outcomes included the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Child Behavior Checklist 1.5-5years, and Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate associations between increase in weight z score and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Very low weight gain between NICU discharge and follow-up (experienced by 6.4% of participants) was associated with lower scores on cognitive (adjusted mean difference: -4.26; 95% CI: -8.55, -0.04) and language (adjusted mean difference: -4.80; 95% CI: -9.70, -0.11) assessments. Very high weight gain (experienced by 13.6% of participants) was associated with an increased obesity risk (adjusted relative risk: 6.20; 95% CI: 3.99, 9.66) but not with neurodevelopmental outcomes. Very high weight gain in the first 12-48months after NICU discharge was associated with a higher risk of obesity at follow-up; very low weight gain was associated with lower scores on cognitive and language assessments.

Prevention of Parenteral Nutrition-associated Cholestasis Using Reduced Dose Soybean Lipid Emulsion: A Multicenter Randomized Trial

IntroductionReducing soybean lipid emulsion (SLE) dose may prevent parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) but effects on growth and neurodevelopment are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of reduced dose SLE on growth and neurodevelopment. MethodsSurgical neonates at 4 centers were randomized to standard SLE (3 g/kg/day) or reduced SLE (1 g/kg/day) over a 12-week period. Bilirubin levels and growth parameters were measured baseline and weekly while on study. The effects of time and group on direct bilirubin and growth were evaluated with a linear mixed effects model. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed at 12- and 24-months corrected gestational age. ResultsTwenty-one individuals were randomized (standard dose = 9, reduced dose = 12). Subjects in the reduced dose group had slower rates of direct bilirubin increase and overall levels decreased earlier than those in the standard dose group. There was a trend toward a faster direct bilirubin decrease in the reduced dose group (p = 0.07 at day 84). There were no differences in the rates of change in weight (p = 0.352 at day 84) or height Z-scores (p = 0.11 at day 84) between groups. One subject in the reduced dose group had abnormal neurodevelopmental testing at 24 months. ConclusionsSurgical neonates randomized to a reduced dose of SLE had improved trends in direct bilirubin levels without clinically significant differences in overall growth and neurodevelopment. Type of StudyRandomized Controlled Trial. Level of EvidenceII.

Association between chronic diuretics and postnatal growth in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

BackgroundChronic diuretics such as thiazides and spironolactone are frequently used off-label in preterm infants with evolving or established bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Infants who are high risk for BPD are already predisposed to poor postnatal growth and the effect of chronic diuretics on postnatal growth is not well studied. ObjectiveExploratory study to determine the association between chronic diuretic exposure and short-term postnatal growth in preterm infants born at less than ≤ 29 weeks gestational age (GA). MethodsSingle-center retrospective cohort study in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit over a 2-year period (2021–22). Eligible infants exposed to chronic diuretics > 5 days for BPD (diuretic group) were compared to infants who were not (non-diuretic group). ResultsIn total, 53 infants (19 diuretic, and 35 non-diuretic group) were identified. The GA (25.3 vs 27.0 weeks) and birth weight (780 vs. 995 gs) were significantly lower in diuretic vs. non-diuretic group (p = 0.01). Diuretic group had higher intubation rate at birth, more days on non-invasive ventilation, higher incidence of moderate/severe BPD, and longer hospital stay (all p < 0.05). The GA adjusted z-scores for weight, length, and head circumference at birth, at 36-week corrected GA, and at discharge were similar in both groups. Also, the z-score change from birth at 36-week corrected GA, and at discharge were similar in both groups. There was no significant short-term change in weight z-score in the 2 weeks following chronic diuretic exposure. ConclusionsChronic diuretic exposure has no significant association with short-term postnatal growth in preterm infants.

Pilot study of a virtual weight management program for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Young people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are at increased risk of obesity. Weight management is important to families; however, several barriers exist. This pilot study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a co-designed weight management program for DMD. The Supporting Nutrition and Optimizing Wellbeing Program (SNOW-P) was a single-arm diet and behavior weight management intervention delivered via weekly telehealth/phone visits over 6 weeks to young people with DMD and obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥95th percentile) and their caregivers. Using an online survey, caregivers of boys with DMD were consulted on the structure and topics delivered in SNOW-P. Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability; secondary outcomes were weight, physical function, and quality of life at 6- and 12-weeks follow-up. Of nineteen eligible participants, eight were enrolled (median age 11.4 years, range 4.9-15.8), and seven completed the program. Visit attendance was high (88%-100%); most participants reported high satisfaction and that participation was easy. Suggested changes included online and visual DMD-specific resources. At 6-weeks, median change in weight z-scores was -0.01 (IQR: -0.23, 0.17) indicating that on average, weight gain tracked as expected for age. Waist circumference measured by caregivers lacked accuracy and the completion rate of caregiver-reported secondary outcome measures (e.g., food diaries) was low. A co-designed, telehealth/phone weight management program appeared to be feasible and acceptable in a small group of boys with DMD. An adapted, hybrid telehealth and face-to-face program is recommended for efficacy testing.

Early weight measures and long-term neuropsychological outcome of critically ill neonates and infants: a secondary analysis of the PEPaNIC trial

Neonates and infants surviving critical illness show impaired growth during critical illness and are at risk for later neuropsychological impairments. Early identification of individuals most at risk is needed to provide tailored long-term follow-up and care. The research question is whether early growth during hospitalization is associated with growth and neuropsychological outcomes in neonates and infants after pediatric intensive care unit admission (PICU). This is a secondary analysis of the PEPaNIC trial. Weight measurements upon PICU admission, at PICU discharge, at hospital discharge, at 2- and 4-year follow-up, and of different subgroups were compared using (paired) t-tests. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between early growth in weight measures and neuropsychological outcomes at 4-year follow-up. One hundred twenty-one infants were included, and median age upon admission was 21 days. Growth in weight per week was less than the age-appropriate norm, resulting in a decrease in weight-for-age Z-score during hospitalization. Weight is normalized at 2- and 4-year follow-up. Weight gain in kilograms per week and change in weight Z-score were not associated with neurodevelopmental outcome measures at 4-year follow-up. Lower weight-for-age Z-score at PICU admission and at hospital discharge was associated only with lower weight and height Z-scores at 4-year follow-up.Conclusion: Growth in weight during hospital stay of young survivors of critical illness is impaired. Worse early growth in weight is associated with lower weight and height but not with neuropsychological outcomes at 4-year follow-up.What is Known:• Critically ill neonates and infants show impaired early growth during admission and are at risk for later neuropsychological impairments.• Unraveling the association between early growth and later neuropsychological impairments is crucial since the first year of life is critical for brain development.What is New:• Critically ill neonates and infants had age appropriate weight measures at 4-year follow-up.• Poor growth in weight during hospital stay was not associated with poorer cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning four years after critical illness.

Weight growth velocity and growth outcomes in very-low-birth-weight infants developing major morbidities

BackgroundExtrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) is common in very-low-birth-weight-infants and may be associated with poor neurodevelopment. The growth velocity of preterm infants is increasing over decades, but the relationship between growth velocity, EUGR, and morbidities of preterm infants remains unknown. MethodsA total of 263 infants born between 2012 and 2020, with birthweight <1500 g and gestational age of 24–33 weeks, were included. Birthweight and weight on day of evaluation point (corrected gestational age 36 weeks or discharged, whenever comes first) were converted to age-specific and gender-specific Z-scores and analyzed by multivariable modeling. The average growth velocity was calculated by the exponential model. ResultsAverage growth velocity from birth to the evaluation point was 11.8 ± 0.3 g/kg/day. The maximum growth velocity from birth to week 8 postnatal occurred at week 4 postnatal (16.4 ± 0.9 g/kg/day). Infants with smaller birth weight, higher gestational age, and indication of intestinal surgery or those who need more days to achieve full enteral feeding were more favorable to have a weight lower than the 10th centile at the evaluation point. By contrast, most comorbidities of prematurity did not affect either lower age-specific weight Z-scores on the evaluation point or larger change in weight Z-score between birth and evaluation point. ConclusionEUGR was associated with gestational age and birth weight. Infants with moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, high-grade intraventricular hemorrhage, or retinopathy of prematurity tend to have slower growth velocity at 3–5 weeks postnatal, but these did not contribute to EUGR.

Effect of SMOF lipid emulsion on physical growth and extrauterine growth retardation in very preterm infants: Insights from a multicenter retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of soybean, medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCTs), olive oil, and fish oil (SMOF) on short-term clinical outcomes, physical growth, and extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) in very preterm infants. MethodsThis was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of very preterm infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units at five tertiary hospitals in China between January 2021 and December 2021. According to the type of fat emulsion used in parenteral nutrition (PN), eligible very preterm infants were divided into the MCTs/long-chain triacylglycerol (MCT/LCT) group and SMOF group. Change in weight z-score (weight Δz) between measurements at birth and at 36 wk of postmenstrual age or at discharge, the incidence of EUGR, and short-term clinical outcomes between the two groups were compared and analyzed. ResultsWe enrolled 409 very preterm infants, including 205 in the MCT/LCT group and 204 in the SMOF group. Univariate analysis showed that infants in the SMOF group had significantly longer duration of invasive mechanical ventilation and PN, longer days to reach total enteral nutrition, and a higher proportion of maximum weight loss than those in MCT/LCT group (all P < 0.05). After adjusting for the confounding variables, multifactorial logistic regression analysis of short-term clinical outcomes showed that SMOF had protective effects on PN-associated cholestasis (odds ratio [OR], 0.470; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.266–0.831) and metabolic bone disease of prematurity (OR, 0.263; 95% CI, 0.078–0.880). Additionally, SMOF was an independent risk factor for lower weight growth velocity (β = –0.733; 95% CI, –1.452 to –0.015) but had no effect on the incidence of EUGR (OR, 1.567; 95% CI, 0.912 to –2.693). ConclusionCompared with MCT/LCT, SMOF can reduce the risk for PN-associated cholestasis and metabolic bone disease of prematurity in very preterm infants and has a negative effect on growth velocity but has no effect on the incidence of EUGR.

Childhood growth outcomes 2 years after hypertensive versus normotensive pregnancy: a P4 study

BackgroundIntrauterine exposure to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension (GH) and preeclampsia (PE), may influence infant growth and have long-term health implications. This study aimed to compare growth outcomes of infants exposed to a normotensive pregnancy (NTP), GH, or PE from birth to 2 years.MethodsInfants were children of women enroled in the prospective Postpartum Physiology, Psychology and Paediatric (P4) cohort study who had NTP, GH or PE. Birth, 6-month (age-corrected) and 2-year (age-corrected) weight z-scores, change in weight z-scores, rapid weight gain (≥0.67 increase in weight z-score) and conditional weight gain z-scores were calculated to assess infant growth (NTP = 240, GH = 19, PE = 66).ResultsInfants exposed to PE compared to NTP or GH had significantly lower birth weight and length z-scores, but there were no differences in growth outcomes at 6 months or 2 years. GH and PE-exposed infants had significantly greater weight z-score gain [95% CI] (PE = 0.93 [0.66–1.18], GH = 1.03 [0.37–1.68], NTP = 0.45 [0.31–0.58], p < 0.01) and rapid weight gain (GH = 63%, PE = 59%, NTP = 42%, p = 0.02) from birth to 2 years, which remained significant for PE-exposed infants after confounder adjustment.ConclusionIn this cohort, GH and PE were associated with accelerated infant weight gain that may increase future cardiometabolic disease risk.ImpactPreeclampsia exposed infants were smaller at birth, compared with normotensive pregnancy and gestational hypertension exposed infants, but caught up in growth by 2 years of age.Both preeclampsia and gestational hypertension exposed infants had significantly accelerated weight gain from birth to 2 years, which remained significant for preeclampsia exposed infants after adjustment for confounders including small for gestational age.Monitoring of growth patterns in infants born following exposure to a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy may be indicated to prevent accelerated weight gain trajectories and obesity.

Evaluation of the Use of Appetite Stimulants in Pediatric Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

Poor nutrition in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has been associated with lower lung function and increased morbidity and mortality. Conversely, better nutritional status has been associated with improved pulmonary function and fewer CF-associated complications. There is no consensus regarding appetite stimulant therapy in patients with CF (pwCF). The primary objective of this study was to determine if the use of appetite stimulants was associated with weight changes in pediatric pwCF in the ambulatory care setting. This was a retrospective study that evaluated 62 pediatric pwCF who received cyproheptadine or mirtazapine for appetite stimulation for at least 6 consecutive months. Weight z scores were collected for each patient at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months of therapy, if available. Increase in weight z score after 3 months of therapy was statistically significant based on both univariable and multivariable models when evaluating the entire cohort. The adjusted mean difference for change in weight z score was 0.33 ( P < 0.001) from baseline to month 3. There was a statistically significant improvement in pulmonary function after 3 and 6 months of therapy. Appetite stimulant therapy was associated with improvement in weight z score in the first 3 months of treatment. Appetite stimulant therapy was associated with improvement in pulmonary function in the first 3 months of therapy, which supports the relationship between weight gain and improved pulmonary function in pwCF. These findings suggest that appetite stimulants contribute to weight gain in pediatric pwCF, particularly within the first 3 months of therapy.

The heritability of weight gain in infancy: A population-based twin study.

Rapid weight gain during infancy is a strong predictor of childhood obesity and is affected by genetic and environmental factors. Identifying ages with low heritability will allow for targeted interventions that might be able to prevent the adverse effects of childhood obesity. The objective of the study is to estimate the heritability of weight gain from birth to defined ages during infancy, as well as during 6-month periods from birth to 18 months of age. We address this by leveraging large-scale computerised anthropometric data from the state-run network of well-baby clinics in Israel. We performed a population-based twin study. We extracted weight measurements recorded between birth to 24 months from well-baby clinics for 9388 twin pairs born in Israel between 2011 and 2015. The reported sexes of the twins were used as a proxy for their zygosity status. We estimated the heritability of the weight z-score change from birth to specific ages and during particular periods in infancy. To assess the validity of the results, we repeated the analysis in a sub-cohort of twin pairs with complete weight measurements. During the first 2 years of life, heritability was lowest for birthweight ( ). Heritability for weight gain since birth was highest at 4 months ( ), and then gradually decreased until age 18 months ( ). Estimating the heritability in 6-month intervals from birth to 18 months, heritability was highest during the 6-12-month interval ( ), and was substantially lower during the subsequent 12-18-month interval ( ). Heritability of weight gain decreases substantially in the second year of life, suggesting that this period could be an appropriate time for interventions for infants who are at an increased risk of childhood obesity.

Racial and ethnic disparities in postnatal growth among very low birth weight infants in California

ObjectiveTo identify racial/ethnic disparities in postnatal growth by year and gestational age among very low birth weight infants.Study designTotal 37,122 infants, with birth weight 500–1500 g or gestational age 23–34 weeks in the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative in 2008–2016. Postnatal growth failure (PGF) was defined as change in weight Z-score from birth to discharge below −1.28. Multivariable regression analysis with birth hospital as random effect was used to estimate odds ratios (OR).ResultsInfants born to Hispanic mothers had highest risk of PGF at 30%, compared to white (24%, OR 1.33), Black (22%, OR 1.50), or Asian/Pacific Islander mothers (23%, OR 1.38). PGF incidence decreased from 2008 (27.4%) to 2016 (22.8%) with differences in trends by race. Each increasing gestational age week was associated with decreasing risk for PGF (OR 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.72–0.74).ConclusionTargeted interventions addressing PGF are needed to address disparities.

Investigating factors influencing post-operative growth in pre-pubertal children after adenotonsillectomy.

To check the change in growth-for-age after adenotonsillectomy in pre-pubertal children and investigate the affecting factors. Two hundred and six pediatric patients who underwent adenotonsillectomy by a single surgeon between January 2011 and December 2014 were included for the retrospective cohort study. The z-scores of height-, weight-, and body mass index (BMI)-for-age were measured before adenotonsillectomy and 1year after the operation. The Korean version of the obstructive sleep apnea-18 questionnaire (OSA-18), symptom questionnaire, physical examinations, demographic data, and pre-operative z-scores were used to analyze the factors affecting z-score change. Among 206 pediatric patients, 167 patients were normal growth; 19 were undergrowth; and 20 were obese. After the operation, height, weight, and BMI z-scores all increased both in 167 normal-growth patients and 19 undergrowth patients (p value < 0.05). However, in 20 obese patients, only height z-score significantly increased (p value = 0.028). The multiple regression test showed that the sleep disturbance domain of OSA-18 was positively correlated with height z-score change (p value = 0.041), and age was negatively correlated with weight z-score change (p value = 0.016). Pre-operative BMI z-score was negatively correlated (p value = 0.019) and adenoid grade was positively correlated (p value = 0.023) with BMI z-score change. These findings suggest that adenotonsillectomy may positively affect growth in pre-pubertal children, without undesirable weight gain. Additionally, the sleep disturbance domain of OSA-18 may play a role in predicting post-operative height increase in pre-pubertal children.

Impact of ketogenic diet therapy on growth in children with epilepsy

RationaleKetogenic diet therapy (KDT) is an effective treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy in children. There is conflicting evidence regarding the impact of KDT on growth. We aimed to determine whether linear growth and weight were affected in children who followed KDT in the UK, and to explore potential associations with clinical or demographic factors with impacted growth. MethodsA retrospective review of medical records of children with epilepsy following KDT at 3 UK centres was conducted. Height and weight measurements taken as part of routine clinical management were recorded at baseline, 1–8 years on diet, and 1-year post-diet. Measurements were converted into z-scores, and the differences from baseline analysed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests. Potential associations of impacted growth with feeding method, ambulatory status, diet type, age at diet onset and average daily protein intake were investigated using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis tests or Spearman’s Rank correlation. Results265 individuals were included, of which 84 had post-diet data available. Median height z-score significantly decreased at 1- (n = 139, p = .018), 2- (n = 86, p < .0005) and 3 years (n = 27, p = .001) on diet. There was no significant change to height or weight z-score 1-year post-diet discontinuation. Median weight z-score significantly decreased from baseline at 4 years (n = 15, p = .020), and 6 years (n = 8, p = .025) on diet, but not at other time points. There was greater height z-score decrease in non-ambulatory children at 2 years (p = .009), in those following a classical diet compared with the modified ketogenic diet at 2 years (p = .006) and amongst younger children at 2 years (n = 86, p < .005) and 3 years (n = 27, p = .008) on diet. No significant differences were found in weight z-score change across any subgroup, following Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. ConclusionsMedian linear growth was significantly adversely affected for the first 3 years on KDT but catch-up growth post diet discontinuation was observed. Non-ambulatory children, younger children, and individuals following a classical diet may be more vulnerable to impacted growth when on KDT, although this was not consistent across all time points. The potential short-term impact on linear growth should be discussed with individuals considering KDT, and monitored closely.

Gut Microbes and Circulating Cytokines in Preterm Infants with Growth Failure

BackgroundGrowth failure (GF) is a multifactorial problem in preterm infants. The intestinal microbiome and inflammation may contribute to GF. ObjectivesThis study’s objective was to compare the gut microbiome and plasma cytokines in preterm infants with and without GF. MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of infants with birth weights of <1750 g. Infants with a weight or length z-score change from birth to discharge or death that was less than or equal to −0.8 (GF group) were compared with infants without GF [control (CON) group]. The primary outcome was the gut microbiome (at weeks 1–4 of age), assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing using Deseq2. Secondary outcomes included inferred metagenomic function and plasma cytokines. Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States determined metagenomic function, which was compared using ANOVA. Cytokines were measured by 2-multiplexed immunometric assays and compared using Wilcoxon tests and linear mixed models. ResultsGF (n = 14) and CON group (n = 13) had similar median (IQR) birth weight (1380 [780–1578] g vs. 1275 [1013–1580] g) and gestational age (29 [25–31] weeks vs. 30 [29–32] weeks). Compared with the CON group, the GF group had a greater abundance of Escherichia/Shigella in weeks 2 and 3, Staphylococcus in week 4, and Veillonella in weeks 3 and 4 (P-adjusted < 0.001 for all). Plasma cytokine concentrations did not differ significantly between the cohorts. When all time points are combined, fewer microbes were involved in TCA cycle activity in the GF group compared with the CON group (P = 0.023). ConclusionsIn this study, when compared with CON infants, GF infants had a distinct microbial signature with increased Escherichia/Shigella and Firmicutes and fewer microbes associated with energy production at later weeks of hospitalization. These findings may suggest a mechanism for aberrant growth.

Feasibility and Impact of a Pilot Neonatal Cuddler Program on Preterm Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Preterm infants experience daily stress in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Positive sensory experiences mitigate stress responses, but parental participation can be limited by external pressures. This study aimed to describe the impact of a neonatal cuddler program (NCP) on preterm infants' growth. A multidisciplinary program trained volunteers to interact with NICU infants when family was not at bedside. Infants were followed prospectively throughout admission. Intervention data included frequency, type, and duration of activity throughout the study period. Student t-test and chi-square test were used to analyze the impact of volunteer interaction on anthropometric measures at discharge. Forty-five infants interacted with a volunteer (intervention group, n = 45) compared with the control group (n = 56) following coronavirus disease 2019 restrictions. The median (range) time of interaction with a volunteer in the intervention group was 90.0 (5.0-705.0) minutes per infant. Infants in the two groups had similar gestational ages, birth weights, lengths, and occipitofrontal circumferences (OFC). Infants in the intervention group had higher rates of spontaneous intestinal perforation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and reached full enteral feeds later. However, rates of severe intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, and duration of mechanical ventilation were similar. Infants in the two groups did not differ in the NICU length of stay. At discharge, infants in the intervention group weighed more (p = 0.04) and had higher OFC's (p = 0.01) and OFC z-scores (p = 0.03). The change in z-scores from birth to discharge was significant for the weight (p = 0.02) but not length or OFC. In regression analyses, only group allocation was identified as a significant factor for OFC z-scores at discharge (β= 0.279, p = 0.011) and for change in weight z-scores from birth to discharge (β = 0.226, p = 0.041). Growth is positively impacted by an NCP despite limited interaction. Additional work is needed to demonstrate the impact on neurobehavioral and developmental outcomes. · Establishing and implementing a neonatal cuddler program in a large, level IV NICU is feasible.. · Neonatal cuddler programs can provide positive sensory experiences when parents are not at bedside.. · Even limited exposure to these positive sensory experiences can positively impact growth parameters for preterm infants..

Neonatal outcomes from a quasi-experimental clinical trial of Family Integrated Care versus Family-Centered Care for preterm infants in U.S. NICUs

BackgroundFamily Integrated Care (FICare) benefits preterm infants compared with Family-Centered Care (FCC), but research is lacking in United States (US) Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). The outcomes for infants of implementing FICare in the US are unknown given differences in parental leave benefits and health care delivery between the US and other countries where FICare is used. We compared preterm weight and discharge outcomes between FCC and mobile-enhanced FICare (mFICare) in the US.MethodsIn this quasi-experimental study, we enrolled preterm infant (≤ 33 weeks)/parent dyads from 3 NICUs into sequential cohorts: FCC or mFICare. Our primary outcome was 21-day change in weight z-scores. Our secondary outcomes were nosocomial infection, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and human milk feeding (HMF) at discharge. We used intention-to-treat analyses to examine the effect of the FCC and mFICare models overall and per protocol analyses to examine the effects of the mFICare intervention components.Findings253 infant/parent dyads participated (141 FCC; 112 mFICare). There were no parent-related adverse events in either group. In intention-to-treat analyses, we found no group differences in weight, ROP, BPD or HMF. The FCC cohort had 2.6-times (95% CI: 1.0, 6.7) higher odds of nosocomial infection than the mFICare cohort. In per-protocol analyses, we found that infants whose parents did not receive parent mentoring or participate in rounds lost more weight relative to age-based norms (group-difference=-0.128, CI: -0.227, -0.030; group-difference=-0.084, CI: -0.154, -0.015, respectively). Infants whose parents did not participate in rounds or group education had 2.9-times (CI: 1.0, 9.1) and 3.8-times (CI: 1.2, 14.3) higher odds of nosocomial infection, respectively.ConclusionWe found indications that mFICare may have direct benefits on infant outcomes such as weight gain and nosocomial infection. Future studies using implementation science designs are needed to optimize intervention delivery and determine acute and long-term infant and family outcomes.Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT03418870 01/02/2018.

Carnitine Intake and Serum Levels Associate Positively with Postnatal Growth and Brain Size at Term in Very Preterm Infants.

Carnitine has an essential role in energy metabolism with possible neuroprotective effects. Very preterm (VPT, &lt;32 gestation weeks) infants may be predisposed to carnitine deficiency during hospitalization. We studied the associations of carnitine intake and serum carnitine levels with growth and brain size at term equivalent age (TEA) in VPT infants. This prospective cohort study included 35 VTP infants admitted to Kuopio University Hospital, Finland. Daily nutrient intakes were registered at postnatal weeks (W) 1 and 5, and serum carnitine levels were determined at W1, W5, and TEA. The primary outcomes were weight, length, and head circumference Z-score change from birth to TEA, as well as brain size at TEA in magnetic resonance imaging. Carnitine intake at W1 and W5, obtained from enteral milk, correlated positively with serum carnitine levels. Both carnitine intake and serum levels at W1, W5, and TEA showed a positive correlation with weight, length, and head circumference Z-score change and with brain size at TEA. In linear models, independent positive associations of carnitine intake and serum carnitine levels with length and head circumference Z-score change and brain size at TEA were seen. In VPT infants, sufficient carnitine intake during hospitalization is necessary since it is associated with better postnatal growth and larger brain size at term age.